It seems that the most important statement in the famous position paper of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists—a 1996 document that was central to the case of partial-birth-abortion defenders for the subsequent decade and played a major role in a number of court cases and political battles—was drafted not by an impartial committee of physicians, as both ACOG and the pro-abortion lobby claimed for years, but by Elena Kagan, who was then the deputy assistant to the president for domestic policy.

With some 13% passive constructions, the highest level measured in any major presidential address this century. In political speaking, the passive voice is generally used to either deflect responsibility, or to have no particular ‘doer’ of an action, at least when speaking about himself or his Administration.

A lefty blogger, eager to let liberal pols tell him things that simply can’t be (socialized medicine will cut costs and improve quality, importing illiterate illegals will make us richer) holds his pollster to a higher standard. (Via Drudge.)

CNN is preparing for a summertime search to find the successor to Larry King, who announced suddenly that he’s leaving the show that has been the centerpiece of the news network’s lineup for 25 years.

[...]

King’s announcement Tuesday came a couple of weeks after he celebrated his 25th anniversary with a week of shows interviewing President Barack Obama, LeBron James, Bill Gates and Lady Gaga - precisely the unique blend of stars and statesmen he considered the signature of “Larry King Live.”

“Suddenly”? This guy’s ratings have been in the toilet for years, years when he has appeared increasingly out of touch. It’s obvious they let him have his anniversary week as a farewell. (Via Drudge.)

Tuesday, 29 June 2010

As confirmation hearings opened Monday afternoon, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee took the unusual approach of attacking Kagan because she admired the late justice Thurgood Marshall, for whom she clerked more than two decades ago.

“Justice Marshall’s judicial philosophy,” said Sen. Jon Kyl (Ariz.), the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, “is not what I would consider to be mainstream.” Kyl -- the lone member of the panel in shirtsleeves for the big event -- was ready for a scrap. Marshall “might be the epitome of a results-oriented judge,” he said.

It was, to say the least, a curious strategy to go after Marshall, the iconic civil rights lawyer who successfully argued Brown vs. Board of Education. Did Republicans think it would help their cause to criticize the first African American on the Supreme Court, a revered figure who has been celebrated with an airport, a postage stamp and a Broadway show? The guy is a saint -- literally. Marshall this spring was added to the Episcopal Church’s list of “Holy Women and Holy Men,” which the Episcopal Diocese of New York says “is akin to being granted sainthood.”

Kyl and friends said that getting swept up by emotion and giving “the first African American” a job for which he wasn’t qualified, to the ultimate detriment of America, despite some people thinking he’s a Messiah or something, was an enormous mistake. That is about neither Kagan nor Marshall, now is it? (Via Jules Crittenden.)